Building Deeper Connections
I’ve lived in six states as an adult and have acquired many fabulous friends along the way. With most of my family scattered across the country, staying connected can be a somewhat challenging. With the help of Skype, I have been able to build deeper connections with long distance friends and family. I really can’t believe what a difference using Skype has made in maintaining relationships!
It’s time to say more and stay human. It’s time for Skype.
At first I was very intimidated about trying video chat. I’m not the most tech savvy person. I was very surprised by how easy it is to install and use Skype. That’s not to say I didn’t have a few questions in the beginning, but Skype has a great How To Guide and FAQs page that helped me figure everything out. My laptop has a built in camera and microphone that is adequate for using Skype, but I much prefer the better quality I get when using the headset microphone and Logitech webcam that came with my Premium Skype Starter Kit. Since using Skype, I’ve been able to chat with former co-workers, friends, family, and even some great blogging buddies that I have not seen in person for a long while. My Mom (Laura) and I live in the same household, so it’s super convenient for us both to hop on and chat with my sisters who live in Florida and Texas.
Skype Group Chat with blogging buddies Jeannette from The Adventures of J-Man and MillerBug and Melissa from The Kids Are Grown, Now What?
It’s been over a year since I have seen my sisters. Seeing and talking with them on video chat for the first time brought tears to my eyes. We typically communicate by telephone, text messaging, or Facebook chat. None of these compare to being able to see and talk to them on Skype.
Virtual Family Reunion
Over the weekend my family was in Atlanta and there was a family reunion group staying at our hotel. Over breakfast Saturday morning, my mom and I enjoyed eavesdropping on all the conversations of family members reconnecting. We got to talking about how our family has never had a reunion and some of the challenges we might face if we try to organize one. Then a light bulb went off…we could have a virtual family reunion on Skype! I’ve upgraded to a Skype Premium Account ($9.99) which will let me host a group video chat for up to 10 people. I’ve contacted a few family members that are not yet on Skype and asked them to sign up to sign up for free Skype to Skype video calling. As soon as everyone has a Skype account, we will plan a date and time for our virtual family reunion. Mom and I are so excited about this and we’ll be sure to keep you posted!
Mom (Laura) and Dog (Lilly) on Skype with my sister Catherine
Building deeper connections with friends and family is easier than ever with the help of Skype.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Skype via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Skype.
I love Skype! Great post – you really show how nice it is to be able to have that personal, face-to-face connection with friends and family! 🙂
I had such a great time Skyping with you the other night. Thanks for allowing me to snag a screenshot of us 🙂
Skype was incredible for keeping my family connected while my father was dealing with cancer. He was way too sick to be around the kids. He tired easily, especially late in the day, after my daughter would be home from school, but he was terminal, and I just couldn’t keep them separated altogether! So, skype and Apple products provided us with our solution. I bought an apple ipad2 to take to my Dad’s. I’d hold the ipad 2 right up to his face so he could see my son, (who was calling him over Skype on his iphone 4s. His face was just as big and clear as it would have been, if he were there. They could have shorter conversations when Dad was feeling up to it, and my son didn’t have to witness the harder moments with my dad, that on real life visits, had been too disturbing.
Skype also helped us keep in touch with a dear friend, who lives in Canada, that had come to provide nursing assistance to my Dad for nearly a month! She was his best friend for years and he was able to have her close by, thanks to Skype.
My Dad is gone now, but I will never forget how this company helped us make his last days more meaningful.
Thanks so much for sharing that with us @Jeanne! We are so sorry for the loss of your dad. It’s truly amazing how technology can help us in the most difficult of times.
I love using Skype. It has how I get in contact with all my family!!
I think it is so amazing that technology has allowed us to connect in such amazing ways! I’m sure being able to actually see your sister is such a special moment for you! We love using Skype to connect with family and friends!
We have used Skype for a few years now, but I didn’t even know about the benefits of a premium account…we may need to get one! 😀
It looks so easy to use! I definitely need to try it!